People matter. This is a lesson my dad taught me very early on in life. Although he never actually said those words to me, I was lucky enough to watch him engage in life and embrace the human race. As a little girl, and even as a grown woman, I was always amazed by how he connected with people from all walks of life¸ and inspired by his genuine curiosity in people and their life stories. I suppose his background as a sociology professor sparked that flame.